Cover and breather device

Abstract

To provide a breather device capable of preventing oil from being discharged upon exhaustion of an air breather.SOLUTION: A cover arranged so as to protrude inside of a tank on a first bottom surface, which is a bottom surface of an air breather disposed in a tank so as to cover an intake / exhaust hole formed in the tank, is provided with a plate-like upper plate provided on the first bottom surface and a cylindrical cover body with a bottom. For the cover body, one end is covered by a second bottom surface. and the other end is an open end not covered, the open end being placed in the upper plate. An upper hole is provided in the upper plate to communicate a bottom surface hole provided in the first bottom surface with a hollow part of the cover body, and a lateral hole is provided in a side surface of the cover body. A buffer plate is provided on a hollow part of the cover body such that at least a part thereof overlaps the lateral hole when viewed along an axis of the lateral hole.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a cover and a breather device. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a breather device that includes an inlet portion, an outlet portion, a first passage that connects the inlet portion and the outlet portion, and an element unit that is provided in the first passage and separates fuel from a mixture of air and fuel that flows from the inlet portion toward the outlet portion. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5835966 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Construction vehicles and work machines that use hydraulic actuators are equipped with a tank and a hydraulic circuit that discharges hydraulic oil stored in the tank from a hydraulic pump to operate the hydraulic actuator. As shown in Patent Document 1, the oil level in the tank rises and falls as the hydraulic actuator operates, so an air breather is provided on top of the tank to maintain the pressure of the air layer above the oil level within a certain range.

[0005] However, in the invention described in Patent Document 1, when a construction vehicle (i.e., a tank) tilts as shown in Fig. 9, depending on the amount of oil in the tank 120, the operating conditions, and the like, oil stored in the tank 120 may splash and hit the air breather 110. If the air breather 110 discharges the oil at the same time as the oil splashes, the splashed oil may be caught in the discharged air (see the arrow in Fig. 9), and the air breather 110 may discharge the oil together with the air.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has an object to provide a cover and breather device that can prevent oil from being discharged when the air breather is exhausted. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To solve the above problems, the present invention provides a cover that is provided on a first bottom surface of an air breather provided on the tank so as to cover an intake and exhaust hole formed in the tank, the cover being provided so as to protrude into the tank, the cover comprising: a plate-like upper plate provided on the first bottom surface; and a cylindrical cover body with a bottom, the cover body having an open end with one end covered by a second bottom surface and the other end uncovered, the open end being provided on the upper plate, the upper plate having an upper hole that connects a bottom hole provided on the first bottom surface with a hollow portion of the cover body, the cover body having a horizontal hole on a side surface, and the hollow portion of the cover body having a baffle plate that at least partially overlaps with the horizontal hole when viewed along the axis of the horizontal hole. The breather device according to the present invention is also characterized by comprising: an air breather provided on the tank so as to cover an intake and exhaust hole formed in the tank; and a cover.

[0008] According to the cover and breather device of the present invention, a cover having an upper plate and a cover body is provided on a first bottom surface, which is the bottom surface of the air breather, so as to protrude into the tank. A plate-shaped upper plate with an upper hole is provided on the first bottom surface, and the open end of the bottomed, cylindrical cover body is provided on the upper plate. Therefore, the bottom surface of the cover body blocks oil splashed from the oil surface in the tank. Furthermore, a horizontal hole is provided on the side surface of the cover body, and a baffle plate is provided in the hollow portion of the cover body, and at least a portion of the baffle plate overlaps with the horizontal hole when viewed along the axis of the horizontal hole. Therefore, the baffle plate blocks oil entering through the horizontal hole. This prevents oil from being discharged when the air breather is vented. The upper plate and the cover body may be integral or separate parts.

[0009] In a first direction along the central axis of the cover body, the lower end of the baffle plate may be located between the horizontal hole and the second bottom surface, whereby the horizontal hole and the baffle plate completely overlap when viewed along the axis of the horizontal hole, and oil that has entered the internal space of the cover body from the horizontal hole is more reliably blocked by the baffle plate.

[0010] The baffle plate may have a cylindrical portion provided on the inside of the side surface. Alternatively, the baffle plate may be a cylindrical member provided on the upper plate, and the upper hole may connect the hollow portion of the baffle plate with the bottom hole. This allows the baffle plate to block oil that has passed through the horizontal hole from various directions (for example, directions inclined with respect to the axis of the horizontal hole when viewed along the first direction).

[0011] The second bottom surface may be provided with a lower hole at a position that does not overlap with the upper hole when viewed along the central axis of the cover body. This allows oil that has entered the inside of the cover body to be discharged through the lower hole. Furthermore, even if oil that has splashed from the oil surface in the tank enters the inside of the cover body through the lower hole, it is possible to prevent the oil from flowing into the air breather through the upper hole, thereby preventing the oil from being discharged when the air breather is vented.

[0012] The second bottom surface may be inclined so as to gradually decrease in height from the vicinity of the center toward the periphery, and the lower hole may be provided adjacent to the side surface, thereby enabling oil that has entered the inside of the cover to be reliably discharged through the lower hole. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to the present invention, oil can be prevented from being discharged when the air breather is exhausted. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing an outline of a breather device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention and a tank 50 provided with the breather device 1. FIG. [Figure 2] 1 is a cross-sectional view showing an outline of a breather device 1. FIG. [Figure 3]FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an outline of the cover 20. [Figure 4] 10 is a diagram showing a state in which the tank 50 is vibrated and tilted. FIG. [Figure 5] 10 is a cross-sectional view showing an outline of covers 20A and 20B according to modified examples. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing an outline of a breather device 2. [Figure 7] 10A and 10B are cross-sectional views showing the outline of covers 20D, 20E, and 20F according to modified examples. [Figure 8] 10A and 10B are cross-sectional views showing the outline of covers 20G and 20H according to modified examples. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing an outline of a conventional air breather 110. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. First Embodiment Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an outline of a breather device 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention and a tank 50 provided with the breather device 1. Hatching indicating a cross section is omitted in Fig. 1.

[0016] Hereinafter, the vertical direction is referred to as the z direction, and the horizontal directions are referred to as the x direction and the y direction. The x direction and the y direction are perpendicular to each other. In Fig. 1, the tank 50 is placed on a surface along the horizontal direction.

[0017] The tank 50 is installed in a work machine (for example, a hydraulic device) not shown, and is provided in a hydraulic circuit for hydraulic oil supplied to the hydraulic device to store the hydraulic oil. In the hydraulic circuit, the hydraulic oil passes through the hydraulic device and is introduced into the tank 50. The tank 50 is hollow and is provided with a suction strainer, a return filter, etc.

[0018] In this embodiment, the tank 50 is a hydraulic oil tank that stores hydraulic oil, but the type of tank and the oil that the tank stores are not limited to this. For example, the tank may be a fuel tank that stores fuel.

[0019] The tank 50 has a tank body 51 in which oil is stored, and a lid 52 that covers an opening at the top end of the tank body 51. The lid 52 has an intake and exhaust hole 52a formed therein.

[0020] The breather device 1 mainly includes an air breather 10 and a cover 20. The air breather 10 is provided on the upper side of the lid 52 so as to cover the intake and exhaust hole 52a. The cover 20 is provided on the bottom surface of the air breather 10 so as to protrude into the inside of the tank 50 (tank body 51).

[0021] Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing an outline of the breather device 1. Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing an outline of the cover 20.

[0022] The air breather 10 mainly includes a base 11, an element unit 12, an upper cover 13, and a valve 14.

[0023] The base 11 has a base main body 11a and mounting portions 11b and 11c that are provided on the lid 52. The mounting portions 11b and 11c are provided on the base main body 11a, and are provided on the lid 52 via the base main body 11a. This causes the base 11 to cover the intake and exhaust hole 52a.

[0024] The mounting portion 11b is a disk-shaped member provided inside the base body 11a. The mounting portion 11c is inserted into the hollow portion of the base body 11a and the mounting portion 11b. The mounting portion 11c has a cylindrical portion 11d and a plate-shaped portion 11e formed on the upper side (+z side) of the cylindrical portion 11d.

[0025] An element unit 12 is provided on the upper side (+z side) of the plate-shaped portion 11e, and an upper lid 13 is provided on the element unit 12. A hole 11f that communicates between the space S1 inside the cylindrical portion 11d and the hollow portion S2 of the element unit 12 is provided in the plate-shaped portion 11e.

[0026] The element unit 12 mainly includes a first element 12a, a second element 12b, and plates 12c and 12d. The first element 12a and the second element 12b are cylindrical, and the second element 12b is provided outside the first element 12a. The space inside the first element 12a is a hollow portion S2. The first element 12a and the second element 12b are spaced apart, and a space S3 is defined between the first element 12a and the second element 12b.

[0027] The first element 12a functions to allow the air to pass through as the mixture of air and oil atomization passes through, and also to separate the oil atomization. The separated oil atomization forms oil droplets that adhere to each other and fall outside the first element 12a, i.e., into space S3.

[0028] The second element 12b has the properties of allowing air to pass through and being oil-repellent. Therefore, the second element 12b repels oil on its surface, separating and dropping it. The second element 12b also has the function of capturing solid foreign matter such as dust contained in the air. When air containing foreign matter passes through the second element 12b, only the air passes through the second element 12b, while the solid foreign matter is captured inside the second element 12b.

[0029] Plates 12c that cover the lower ends of the first element 12a and the second element 12b are provided on the plate-shaped portion 11e, and upper covers 13 are provided on plates 12d that cover the upper ends of the first element 12a and the second element 12b.

[0030] A first inner cylinder 12e is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the first element 12a, and a second inner cylinder 12f is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the second element 12ba. A plurality of through holes are formed throughout the first inner cylinder 12e and the second inner cylinder 12f. An outer cylinder 12g is provided on the outside of the second element 12b. A plurality of through holes are formed throughout the outer cylinder 12g. Note that the first inner cylinder 12e, the second inner cylinder 12f, and the outer cylinder 12g are not essential.

[0031] A valve 14 is provided on the mounting portion 11c, and the valve 14 is inserted into the hollow portion S2. The valve 14 opens when the pressure value inside the tank 50 reaches or exceeds a predetermined threshold, and closes when the pressure value is below the threshold. Figure 2 shows the valve 14 in a closed state. When the valve 14 is closed, the space S1 and the hollow portion S2 do not communicate with each other, and when the valve 14 is open, the space S1 and the hollow portion S2 communicate with each other.

[0032] The hollow portion 11g of the cylindrical portion 11d is a bottom hole provided in the bottom surface 10a of the air breather 10. When the valve 14 is open, the hollow portion 11g communicates between the inside of the air breather 10 (space S1, hollow portion S2, etc.) and the space S5 inside the cover 20 (space S7 inside the tank 50, see FIG. 1).

[0033] The cover 20 is provided on the bottom surface 10a and protrudes into the inside of the tank 50 (tank body 51) through the intake and exhaust holes 52a. The cover 20 mainly has an upper plate 21, a cover body 22, and a baffle plate 23.

[0034] The upper plate 21 is plate-shaped and is provided on the bottom surface 10a. The upper plate 21 is sandwiched between the air breather 10 and the lid 52. The upper plate 21 is provided with an upper hole 21a, which communicates with the hollow portion 11g and the hollow portion of the cover main body 22 (space S5).

[0035] The cover body 22 has a cylindrical shape with a bottom and includes a bottom surface 22a and a side surface 22b. One end of the cover body 22 is covered by the bottom surface 22a, and the other end is an open end 22z that is not covered. The open end 22z is provided on the upper plate 21.

[0036] A plurality of lower holes 22e are provided in the bottom surface 22a. The lower holes 22e are provided at positions that do not overlap with the upper holes 21a when viewed along the central axis ax (z direction, corresponding to the first direction of the present invention) of the cover main body 22, and communicate between the hollow portion (space S5) of the cover main body 22 and the interior of the tank 50 (space S7, see FIG. 1). In this embodiment, the lower holes 22e are round holes, and four lower holes 22e are provided at equal intervals on the bottom surface 22a. However, the shape and number of the lower holes 22e are not limited to this.

[0037] The top surface 22d of the bottom surface 22a is inclined so as to gradually decrease in height from the vicinity of the center toward the periphery. The top surface 22d is, for example, conical in shape, and is highest at the position where it intersects with the central axis ax (the center) and gradually decreases in height toward the side surface 22b (the periphery). The lower hole 22e is provided in the lowered portion of the top surface 22d, i.e., adjacent to the side surface 22b.

[0038] A plurality of horizontal holes 22c are provided on the side surface 22b. The horizontal holes 22c communicate between the hollow portion (space S5) of the cover body 22 and the interior of the tank 50 (space S7, see FIG. 1). In this embodiment, the horizontal holes 22c are circular holes, and four horizontal holes 22c are provided at equal intervals on the side surface 22b. However, the shape and number of the horizontal holes 22c are not limited to this.

[0039] A baffle plate 23 is provided in the hollow portion (inside the side surface 22b) of the cover main body 22. The baffle plate 23 and the side surface 22b have a cylindrical shape, and the baffle plate 23 is disposed inside the side surface 22b and parallel to the side surface 22b. The baffle plate 23 and the side surface 22b are not limited to having a cylindrical shape, and may have a cylindrical shape such as a square tube.

[0040] Baffle plate 23 is provided so as to cover upper hole 21a, and upper hole 21a communicates between hollow portion 11g and the hollow portion of baffle plate 23 (space S6).

[0041] In the present embodiment, the diameter of inner circumferential surface 23a of baffle plate 23 and the inner diameter of upper hole 21a are approximately the same, and inner circumferential surface 23a is approximately flush with upper hole 21a. Note that the inner diameter of inner circumferential surface 23a is not limited to this, and may be larger or smaller than the inner diameter of upper hole 21a. However, it is preferable that the inner diameter of inner circumferential surface 23a be equal to or larger than the inner diameter of upper hole 21a so as not to increase pressure loss.

[0042] When viewed along the axis axc of the horizontal hole 22c, at least a portion of the baffle plate 23 overlaps with the horizontal hole 22c. In the present embodiment, the lower end 23b of the baffle plate 23 is located at approximately the same height as the lower end of the horizontal hole 22c, and most of the horizontal hole 22c overlaps with the baffle plate 23.

[0043] The thick arrows in Figure 2 indicate the flow of air. When the pressure inside the tank 50 reaches or exceeds a threshold value, the valve 14 opens, and air inside the tank 50 (space S6) flows through the horizontal hole 22c into the interior of the cover 20 (space S5). The air in space S5 flows into space S6 from the opening at the lower end 23b, passes through the upper hole 21a, flows into space S1, and then flows into the hollow portion S2. The air that flows into the hollow portion S2 passes through the element unit 12 (first element 12a, space S3, and second element 12b) and is released into the external space (space S4).

[0044] 4 is a diagram schematically illustrating a state in which the tank 50 is vibrated and tilted. Even if the tank 50 vibrates and the oil level S becomes wavy, the oil O is blocked by the bottom surface 22a and does not enter the air breather 10. Therefore, the oil O is not drawn in when the air breather 10 is vented.

[0045] It is also possible that the oil O splashes and enters the space S5 from the horizontal hole 22c. In this case, as shown by the two-dot chain arrow in Fig. 4, the oil O is blocked by the baffle plate 23 and does not flow into the space S6, so the oil O is not entrained when the air breather 10 is discharged. Furthermore, the oil O blocked by the baffle plate 23 is discharged into the space S6 from the lower hole 22e, as shown by the two-dot chain arrow in Fig. 4.

[0046] Returning to the explanation of Figure 2, the upper surface 22d of the bottom surface 22a is inclined so as to gradually become lower from the vicinity of the center toward the periphery, and therefore, the oil O blocked by the baffle plate 23 flows on the upper surface 22d toward the lower hole 22e and is discharged from the lower hole 22e, as indicated by the two-dot chain arrow in Figure 2.

[0047] According to the present embodiment, cover 20 is provided on bottom surface 10a of air breather 10, bottom surface 22a blocks oil O splashing up from oil surface S, and baffle plate 23 blocks oil O entering from horizontal hole 22c, thereby preventing splashed oil O from being caught in the air exhausted by air breather 10 and preventing oil from being discharged when air breather 10 is exhausted.

[0048] Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, the baffle plate 23 is provided in a cylindrical shape on the upper plate 21, the upper hole 21a communicates between the space S6 and the space S1, and the horizontal hole 22c overlaps with the baffle plate 23 when viewed along the axis axc of the horizontal hole 22c, thereby more reliably blocking the oil O that has entered the space S5 from the horizontal hole 22c by the baffle plate 23. In particular, because the baffle plate 23 is cylindrical, the oil O that has passed through the horizontal hole 22c from various directions (for example, directions inclined with respect to the axis axc when viewed along the z direction) can be blocked by the baffle plate 23.

[0049] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, by inclining upper surface 22d so that it gradually becomes lower from the vicinity of the center toward the periphery and providing lower holes 22e at a low position adjacent to side surface 22b, oil O blocked by baffle plate 23 can be reliably discharged from lower holes 22e.

[0050] In the present embodiment, the intake and exhaust holes 52a are formed on the top surface (lid 52) of the tank 50, and the air breather 10 is provided above the lid 52, but the positions of the intake and exhaust holes 52a and the air breather 10 are not limited to this. For example, the intake and exhaust holes may be provided on the side surface of the tank body 51 (preferably near the lid 52), and the air breather may be provided on the outer side surface of the tank body.

[0051] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when viewed along the axis axc of the horizontal hole 22c, the lower end 23b of the baffle 23 is located at approximately the same height as the lower end of the horizontal hole 22c, and most of the horizontal hole 22c overlaps with the baffle 23, but the height of the baffle 23 is not limited to this. It is sufficient that at least a part of the baffle 23 overlaps with the horizontal hole 22c when viewed along the axis axc. However, it is desirable that the lower end of the baffle 23 is located between the horizontal hole 22c and the bottom surface 22a in the direction along the central axis ax (corresponding to the first direction of the present invention), and that the horizontal hole 22c completely overlaps with the baffle 23 when viewed along the axis axc. This allows the baffle 23 to reliably block the oil O that has entered the space S5 from the horizontal hole 22c.

[0052] Furthermore, in this embodiment, horizontal hole 22c is provided near the center of side surface 22b in the z direction, but the position of horizontal hole 22c is not limited to this. For example, horizontal hole 22c may be provided on side surface 22b near upper plate 21. When baffle plate 23 is provided, by providing side surface 22b in as high a position as possible (as close to upper plate 21), oil O that has entered space S5 from horizontal hole 22c can be more reliably blocked by baffle plate 23.

[0053] In addition, in the present embodiment, upper surface 22d is inclined so as to gradually decrease in height from the vicinity of the center toward the periphery, but the shape of upper surface 22d is not limited to this. For example, upper surface 22d may be inclined so as to gradually increase in height from the vicinity of the center toward the periphery. In this case, by providing lower hole 22e in a low portion of upper surface 22d, i.e., near the center intersecting with central axis ax, oil O blocked by baffle plate 23 can be reliably discharged from lower hole 22e.

[0054] In addition, although the bottom surface 22a has the lower hole 22e in this embodiment, the lower hole 22e is not essential. For example, a hole may be provided in the side surface 22b near the bottom surface, and the oil O may be discharged from this hole.

[0055] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the baffle plate 23 has a cylindrical shape (with a constant diameter), but the shape of the baffle plate is not limited to this. Figures 5(A) and 5(B) are cross-sectional views showing outlines of covers 20A and 20B according to modified examples of cylindrical baffle plates. Similar to the cover 20, the covers 20A and 20B are provided on the bottom surface 10a and inserted into the intake and exhaust holes 52a.

[0056] 5(A), the cover 20A mainly includes an upper plate 21A and a cover main body 22A. The cover main body 22A is provided below the upper plate 21A.

[0057] The upper plate 21A is plate-shaped and is provided on the bottom surface 10a. The upper plate 21A is provided with a cylindrical baffle plate 21c that protrudes downward (towards the bottom surface 22a). The baffle plate 21c is disposed inside the side surface 22b. The upper plate 21A is provided with an upper hole 21b that communicates the hollow portion 11g with the hollow portion of the baffle plate 21c.

[0058] Cover body 22A has a cylindrical shape with a bottom, and includes bottom surface 22a, side surface 22b, and top plate 22f. Top plate 22f is provided at the open end of side surface 22b that is not covered by bottom surface 22a, and is provided on top of top plate 21A. Baffle plate 21c is inserted into the hollow portion of side surface 22b.

[0059] Baffle plate 21c has a truncated conical cylindrical shape whose diameter decreases toward bottom surface 22a. In the direction along central axis ax, lower end 21d of baffle plate 21c is located between horizontal hole 22c and bottom surface 22a. Therefore, horizontal hole 22c completely overlaps with baffle plate 21c when viewed along axis axc, and oil O that enters space S5 from horizontal hole 22c can be blocked by baffle plate 21c. In addition, oil O blocked by baffle plate 21c falls to a high position on top surface 22d, so that oil O can flow along top surface 22d and be discharged from bottom hole 22e.

[0060] 5(B), the cover 20B mainly includes an upper plate 21B and a cover main body 22A. The cover main body 22A is provided below the upper plate 21B.

[0061] The upper plate 21B is plate-shaped and provided on the bottom surface 10a. The upper plate 21B is provided with a cylindrical baffle plate 21e that protrudes downward. The baffle plate 21e is disposed inside the side surface 22b. The upper plate 21A is provided with an upper hole 21f that connects the hollow portion 11g with the hollow portion of the baffle plate 21e.

[0062] Baffle plate 21e is inserted inside cover main body 22A and has a truncated conical cylindrical shape whose diameter increases toward bottom surface 22a. In the direction along central axis ax, lower end 21g of baffle plate 21e is located between horizontal hole 22c and bottom surface 22a. Therefore, horizontal hole 22c completely overlaps with baffle plate 21e when viewed along axis axc, and oil O that enters space S5 from horizontal hole 22c can be blocked by baffle plate 21e. Furthermore, oil O blocked by baffle plate 21e falls near lower hole 22e and is discharged from lower hole 22e.

[0063] <Second embodiment> In the first embodiment, the cylindrical baffle plate 23 is provided on the upper plate 21, but the position where the baffle plate is provided and the shape of the baffle plate are not limited to this.

[0064] In the second embodiment of the present invention, a baffle plate is provided on the side of the cover body. The cover and breather device according to the second embodiment will be described below. Note that the same parts as those in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals and their description will be omitted.

[0065] 6 is a cross-sectional view showing an outline of the breather device 2. The breather device 2 mainly includes an air breather 10 and a cover 20C. The cover 20C is provided on the bottom surface 10a of the air breather 10 so as to protrude into the tank 50 through the intake / exhaust hole 52a.

[0066] The cover 20C includes an upper plate 21C and a cover body 22B having a bottom surface 22a, a side surface 22b, and a baffle plate 22i. In the cover 20C, the upper plate 21C and the cover body 22B are integral. One end of the side surface 22b is covered by the bottom surface 22a, and the other end (open end) is provided on the plate-shaped upper plate 21C. An upper hole 22h is provided in the upper plate 21C, and the upper hole 22h connects the hollow portion 11g (space S1) and space S5.

[0067] Baffle plates 22i are provided in the hollow portion of the cover body 22B. The cover body 22B has four baffle plates 22i, and one baffle plate 22i is provided for each of the horizontal holes 22c so as to cover the horizontal holes 22c.

[0068] Baffle plate 22i has an L-shaped cross section when cut along a plane including central axis ax, and has plate-shaped portion 22j substantially parallel to upper plate 21C and plate-shaped portion 22k substantially parallel to side surface 22b. Plate-shaped portion 22j is provided on side surface 22b, and the upper end of plate-shaped portion 22k is provided on plate-shaped portion 22j.

[0069] 6, when the pressure inside the tank 50 exceeds the threshold value and the valve 14 opens, the air inside the tank 50 (space S7) flows into the space S5 through the horizontal hole 22c. The air in the space S5 flows from the opening of the lower end 22l through the upper hole 22h into the space S1, passes through the hollow portion S2 and the element unit 12, and is released into the space S4.

[0070] In the direction along the central axis ax, the lower end 22l of the baffle plate 22i (plate-shaped portion 22k) is located between the horizontal hole 22c and the bottom surface 22a. Therefore, when viewed along the axis axc, the horizontal hole 22c completely overlaps with the plate-shaped portion 22k, and the oil O that enters the space S5 from the horizontal hole 22c can be blocked by the plate-shaped portion 22k. Furthermore, because the plate-shaped portion 22j is provided above the horizontal hole 22c, the oil O that enters obliquely upward from the horizontal hole 22c (see the two-dot chain arrow in FIG. 6) can be blocked by the plate-shaped portion 22j. The oil O blocked by the baffle plate 22i is discharged into the space S7 from the lower hole 22e.

[0071] According to the present embodiment, cover 20C is provided on bottom surface 10a of air breather 10, bottom surface 22a blocks oil O splashing from oil surface S, and baffle plate 22i blocks oil O entering from horizontal hole 22c, so that the splashed oil O is not caught in the air exhausted by air breather 10, and oil is not discharged when air breather 10 is exhausted.

[0072] In the present embodiment, the baffle plate 22i provided on the side surface 22b has an L-shaped cross section, but the shape of the baffle plate is not limited to this. Figures 7(A), (B), and (C) are cross-sectional views showing outlines of covers 20D, 20E, and 20F according to modified examples, respectively. Like the cover 20C, the covers 20D, 20E, and 20F are provided on the bottom surface 10a and inserted into the intake and exhaust holes 52a.

[0073] 7(A), the cover 20D includes an upper plate 21C and a cover main body 22C having a bottom surface 22a, a side surface 22b, and baffle plates 22m. A plurality of (four in this example) baffle plates 22m are provided inside the cover main body 22C. The baffle plates 22m are plate-shaped and are provided for each of the horizontal holes 22c.

[0074] In the direction along the central axis ax, the lower end 22n of the baffle plate 22m is located between the horizontal hole 22c and the bottom surface 22a. Therefore, when viewed along the axis axc, the horizontal hole 22c completely overlaps with the baffle plate 22m, and the oil O that has entered the space S5 from the horizontal hole 22c can be blocked by the baffle plate 22m.

[0075] As shown in Fig. 7(B), the cover 20E includes an upper plate 21C and a cover main body 22D having a bottom surface 22a, a side surface 22b, and a baffle plate 22o. The baffle plate 22o is provided in a hollow portion of the cover main body 22D and has a truncated conical cylindrical shape whose inner diameter decreases toward the bottom surface 22a. The baffle plate 22o is provided inside the side surface 22b.

[0076] In the direction along the central axis ax, the lower end 22p of the baffle plate 22o is located between the horizontal hole 22c and the bottom surface 22a. Therefore, when viewed along the axis axc, the horizontal hole 22c completely overlaps with the baffle plate 22o, and the oil O that has entered the space S5 from the horizontal hole 22c can be blocked by the baffle plate 22o.

[0077] In FIG. 7, the baffle plates 22m and 22o are provided at the corners where the side surface 22b and the upper plate 21C overlap, but the position at which the baffle plate 22m is provided is not limited to this, and the baffle plate 22m may be provided on the side surface 22b closer to the bottom surface 22a than the position shown in FIGS. 7(A) and (B).

[0078] As shown in FIG. 7(C), the cover 20F includes an upper plate 21C and a cover main body 22E having a bottom surface 22a, a side surface 22b, and a baffle plate 22q. The baffle plate 22q is provided in a hollow portion of the cover main body 22E and has a plate-like portion 22r parallel to the upper plate 21C and a cylindrical portion 22s. In this modification, the plate-like portion 22r has an annular shape, and the cylindrical portion 22s has a cylindrical shape. The upper end of the cylindrical portion 22s is provided on the plate-like portion 22r, and the cylindrical portion 22s is disposed inside the side surface 22b.

[0079] In the direction along the central axis ax, the lower end 22t of the cylindrical portion 22s is located between the horizontal hole 22c and the bottom surface 22a. Therefore, when viewed along the axis axc, the horizontal hole 22c completely overlaps with the cylindrical portion 22s, and the oil O that enters the space S5 from the horizontal hole 22c can be blocked by the cylindrical portion 22s. In addition, because the plate-like portion 22r is provided above the horizontal hole 22c, the oil O that enters obliquely upward from the horizontal hole 22c can be blocked by the plate-like portion 22r.

[0080] In addition, in the present embodiment, side surface 22b has a cylindrical shape with a constant diameter, but the shape of side surface 22b is not limited to this. Figures 8(A) and 8(B) are cross-sectional views showing outlines of covers 20G and 20H according to modified examples, respectively. Covers 20G and 20HG are provided on bottom surface 10a and inserted into intake and exhaust holes 52a, similar to cover 20C.

[0081] As shown in Fig. 8(A), the cover 20G includes an upper plate 21C and a cover main body 22F having a bottom surface 22u, side surfaces 22v, and a baffle plate 22x. One end of the side surface 22v is covered by the bottom surface 22u, and the other end is an open end that is not covered. This open end is provided in the upper plate 21C. A pilot hole 22e is provided in the bottom surface 22u.

[0082] The side surface 22v has a truncated conical cylindrical shape with an inner diameter that decreases toward the bottom surface 22u. A horizontal hole 22w is provided in the side surface 22v. The horizontal hole 22w connects the hollow portion (space S5) of the cover main body 22F with the space S7 (see FIG. 1). The side surface 22v is inclined with respect to the z direction, and the central axis axw of the horizontal hole 22w is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction.

[0083] A baffle plate 22x is provided in the hollow portion of the cover main body 22F. The baffle plate 22x is plate-shaped, in this case annular, and provided on the side surface 22v. The baffle plate 22x is approximately aligned with the horizontal direction, but because the central axis axw is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction, at least a portion of the horizontal hole 22w overlaps with the baffle plate 22x when viewed along the central axis axw. Therefore, oil O that has entered the hollow portion (space S5) of the cover 20G from the horizontal hole 22w is blocked by the baffle plate 22x. However, in order to enhance the effect of blocking the oil O, it is desirable to provide the horizontal hole 22w adjacent to the baffle plate 22x so that the horizontal hole 22w completely overlaps with the baffle plate 22x when viewed along the central axis axw.

[0084] 8(B), the cover 20H includes an upper plate 21C and a cover main body 22G having a bottom surface 22u, a side surface 22v, and a baffle plate 22y. The baffle plate 22y is provided in the hollow portion of the cover main body 22G.

[0085] Baffle plate 22y has plate-shaped (annular here) plate-shaped portion 22ya and tubular (cylindrical here) tubular portion 22yb. Plate-shaped portion 22ya is provided on side surface 22v. The upper end of tubular portion 22yb is provided on plate-shaped portion 22ya and is disposed inside side surface 22v.

[0086] In the direction along the central axis ax, the lower end 22yc of the cylindrical portion 22yb is located between the horizontal hole 22w and the bottom surface 22u. Therefore, when viewed along the axis axw, the horizontal hole 22w completely overlaps with the baffle plate 22y, and the oil O that enters the space S5 from the horizontal hole 22w can be reliably blocked by the baffle plate 22y.

[0087] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above in detail with reference to the drawings, the specific configurations are not limited to these embodiments, and design modifications within the scope of the gist of the present invention are also included. For example, the above examples have been described in detail to clearly explain the present invention, and the present invention is not necessarily limited to those including all of the described configurations. Furthermore, it is possible to replace part of the configuration of one embodiment with the configuration of another embodiment, and it is also possible to add, delete, or replace other configurations to the configuration of one embodiment.

[0088] In the present invention, the term "substantially" does not only mean strictly identical, but also includes errors or deformations to the extent that identity is not lost. For example, "substantially perpendicular" is not limited to strictly perpendicular, but includes an error of, for example, several degrees. Furthermore, for example, when expressing orthogonal, parallel, coincident, etc., it includes not only strictly perpendicular, parallel, coincident, etc., but also substantially parallel, substantially perpendicular, substantially coincident, etc.

[0089] In addition, in the present invention, "vicinity" means including a certain range (which can be determined arbitrarily) near a reference position. For example, "near an end" is a concept indicating a certain range near the end, which may or may not include the end. [Explanation of symbols]

[0090] 1, 2: Breather device 10: Air breather 10a: Bottom 11: Base 11a: Base body 11b, 11c: Mounting section 11d: Cylindrical part 11e: Plate-shaped part 11f:hole 11g: Hollow part 12: Element Unit 12a: First element 12b: Second element 12ba: 2nd element 12c, 12d: Plate 12e: 1st inner cylinder 12f: 2nd inner cylinder 12g: outer tube 13:Top lid 14: Valve 20, 20A, 20B, 20C, 20D, 20E, 20F, 20G, 20H: Cover 21, 21A, 21B, 21C: Upper plate 21a, 21b: Upper hole 21c, 21e: Baffle plate 21d: Bottom edge 21f: Upper hole 21g: Bottom end 22, 22A, 22B, 22C, 22D, 22E, 22F: Cover body 22a, 22u: Bottom 22b, 22v: Side 22c, 22w: horizontal hole 22d:Top surface 22e: Pilot hole 22F: Upper floor 22h: Upper hole 22i: Baffle plate 22j, 22k, 22r, 22ya: Plate-shaped parts 22l, 22t: lower end 22m, 22o, 22q, 22x, 22y: baffle plates 22n, 22p, 22yc: bottom edge 22s, 22yb: cylindrical part 22z: Open end 23: Baffle plate 23a: Inner surface 23b: Bottom edge 50: Tank 51: Tank body 52: Lid 52a: Intake and exhaust hole 110: Air breather 120: Tank

Claims

1. a cover provided on a first bottom surface, which is a bottom surface of an air breather provided on the tank so as to cover an intake / exhaust hole formed in the tank, so as to protrude into the tank, a plate-shaped upper plate provided on the first bottom surface; A cylindrical cover body with a bottom, the cover body has one end covered by the second bottom surface and the other end being an open end that is not covered, the open end being provided on the top plate; The upper plate is provided with an upper hole that communicates between a bottom hole provided in the first bottom surface and a hollow portion of the cover body, The cover body has a horizontal hole on a side surface thereof, a baffle plate is provided in the hollow portion of the cover body so that at least a portion of the baffle plate overlaps with the horizontal hole when viewed along the axis of the horizontal hole; a lower hole is provided in the second bottom surface at a position that does not overlap with the upper hole when viewed along the central axis of the cover body; The second bottom surface is inclined so as to become gradually lower from the vicinity of the center toward the periphery, The pilot hole is provided adjacent to the side surface. A cover characterized by:

2. In a first direction along the central axis of the cover body, a lower end of the baffle plate is located between the horizontal hole and the second bottom surface. The cover according to claim 1 .

3. The baffle plate has a cylindrical portion provided on the inside of the side surface.

3. The cover according to claim 1 or 2.

4. the baffle plate is a cylindrical member provided on the upper plate, The upper hole communicates with the hollow portion of the baffle plate and the bottom hole.

3. The cover according to claim 1 or 2.

5. an air breather provided on the tank so as to cover an intake / exhaust hole formed in the tank; A cover according to any one of claims 1 to 4; A breather device comprising:

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